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Argentina 0-4 Germany

On this day 10 years ago, we witnessed the birth of the BBC Sport website. So what better way to mark the anniversary than with a veritable bevvy of world class football? Two down, two to go - today, ladies and gentleman, sees the last of the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals. Be excited.

11:34Commentary

Let's get it out of the way early - yes, today's first quarter-final could have involved England. It doesn't though. Mainly because they were just a little bit rubbish. So instead we kick proceedings off at 1500 BST with Argentina v Germany. Two footballing giants, and a fixture almost literally dripping in history. When these two play, fireworks go off. Guaranteed.

On Twitter: "Just been up Table Mountain: Awesome. A lot of German fans making a lot of noise up there - this afternoon is going to be pretty lively..."

11:45Commentary

So I, Sam Lyon, am here to get the chat up and running before our man in Johannesburg Jonathan Stevenson picks up the baton in a couple of hours and runs with it all the way through today's monster matches. You know the drill by now, I'm sure, but just in case your Friday evening was even better than you expected, here's the deal. Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on Twitter @sampatricklyon or you can always get involved on 606. Do it.

606

From BCFC_MassiveAttack: "Argentina v Germany, two teams we love to hate. I don't really care which one wins, but with England out at least I won't be hung over tomorrow..."

From Adam in Marple: "Luis Suarez - hero. He knew if the ball went in he was out so he gave his team a second chance. Incredible quick thinking and Ghana still had the chance to win it but didn't take that chance that's not suarez fault he did what he had to do for his nation. HERO."

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From collie21: "No, Suarez is a cheat. But Gyan should have stayed a notch cooler. Pity, I thought Ghana deserved it on the balance of play."

ContributorBBC Sport's Dan Walker

On Twitter: "It would be very wrong for Fifa to add to Suarez's ban just because people are incensed. He was red carded at the time!"

SMS

From Steve, Yorkshire: "The punishment didn't fit the crime in the end. Ghana worked harder in extra time, earned the opportunity of a free header in the box and it was a certain goal without the Suarez handball. Thats not justice."

12:14Commentary

As Dan Walker alludes to below, Fifa spokesman Pekka Odriozol has revealed the body will consider whether to hand Luis Suarez a one- or a two-match ban for his handball last night. The Ajax frontman reasoned after the match: "This was the end of the World Cup. I had no choice," while Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said: "Saying we cheated Ghana is too harsh a word to use. Yes Luis stuck his hand out but it's not cheating. I don't think it's fair to say that." Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac graciously added: "I would like to congratulate Uruguay."

From Dean_machine: "Sure Luis Suarez has done what most players would have done, but considering he's cheated his team a way into the semis it seems a bit of an injustice that he is allowed to play in the final should Uruguay get there."

12:23Commentary

Anyway, let's move on. We could be here all day debating this. For more on Luis Suarez, check out Paul Fletcher's cracking piece and get commenting. The poor fella's blog has only generated 450-odd replies so far. Embarrassing.

SMS

From Anon: "Only two teams left in the competition that have won every game they've played. This world cup has Holland v Argentina final written all over it."

12:26CommentaryBREAKING NEWS

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie has been taken to hospital for a scan on an arm injury. Not sure how serious that is at the moment, I'll try to keep you posted.

12:34Commentary

And talking of the Netherlands - what a result for those boys yesterday. The Oranje are without question THE form team in the tournament, and Brazil - despite bossing the first half in my humble opinion - simply could not cope with Bert van Marwijk's side from set-pieces. With Uruguay next up for them in the last four, who is betting against the Dutch securing their first ever World Cup? As for Brazil, our man Chris Bevan spoke to Lee Dixon to find out where it all went wrong. In short, in defence I think is the answer.

12:42Commentary

And if you were otherwise engaged yesterday, firstly - what on earth are you playing at, this is the World Cup?!! And secondly, check out our One Minute World Cup Video Clip (UK users only) to find out what happened in the World Cup yesterday in a single minute. In short, it does exactly what it says on the tin.

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From redandblackT: "Yesterday was the most drama filled day of the World Cup.With Germany facing Argentina up first i expect that trend to continue.These two sides dont like each other do they?"

On Twitter: "Cape Town waterfront, two hours to kick off, not a chant to be heard. Wo Sind Sie?"

12:57Commentary

Right then, with just over a couple of hours until kick-off and the line-ups due to land on our desks in around an hour, why don't we turn our attention to the match people are already calling "The 2010 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina v Germany"? If today's encounter is anything like the classics of days gone by, we're in for a right royal treat and no mistake.

From Andy Tevez2: "So far Argentina have played the way you would want your children to play. Both the players and, incredibly, the coach have behaved in the best tradition of spotsmanship. It's been a pleasure watching them."

From dziekanowskisboots: "I dont see Argentina's defence keeping out Klose and Podolski today - best striking partnership in international football."

13:15HANDBAGS

On the 16 (I told you this fixture had history) other occasions these two have met, Argentina have won seven, Germany four and there have been five draws. Their last competitive meeting, of course, was at the last World Cup - a match that ended in farcical scenes, a pitch battle that can prompt only one response from me four years on. A handbag graphic. Eat that 2006 quarter-final. As redandblackT hinted at below - I'm not sure there's a great deal of love lost between these two.

From Simon_Osler: "Looking forward to seeing an Argentina v Spain semi-final here in Durban on Wednesday..."

13:45Commentary

And on that confident prediction from Simon Osler, I'm going to hand over to young Jonathan Stevenson in Johannesburg for all the team news and match action from both Argentina-Germany and Spain-Paraguay. Man I love the World Cup. There are only eight days left of it, so let's make the most of it yeah? Laters.

I was spared the trauma of watching the woeful 1990 final by my parents, but it’s fair to say not many people are expecting a similarly ugly contest this afternoon. Throw in some of the world’s greatest players, two coaches who like their teams to attack and two countries with some serious World Cup history, and you’ve got the kind of match-up that makes football fans go weak at the knees. And we haven’t even got on to Diego Armando Maradona yet.

13:55Commentary

Hey, could you refresh your page so we can give Sam Lyon a well-earned break? Thanks. Johannesburg is a little muted today after the carnage of what happened at Soccer City last night, and my head’s still spinning in a non-hungover-type way from THAT ending to Uruguay-Ghana. But if it was talking points we wanted from this tournament, my word we’ve got them. In their dozens.

13:57CommentaryUruguay striker Luis Suarez:

"The 'Hand of God' now belongs to me. Mine is the real 'Hand Of God'. I made the best save of the tournament. Sometimes in training I play as a goalkeeper so it was worth it. There was no alternative but for me to do that."

You know, even if this game turns into the fingers-crossed-classic we’re hoping for, I bet the names “Luis” and “Suarez” occasionally pop up in today’s chat. Hey, I’m not judging anyone, it’s your special day: whack us a tweet @Stevo_football; stun the 606ers with your wit and wisdom; and get bashing over those texts to 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide). We’ve got six games to go - you snooze, it’s the World Cup that will lose.

SMS

Adam, Peterborough: "Mascherano is of vital importance today, protecting that space between the lines where Ozil operates so well. Be the important battle to watch."

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From Enlightened: "Argentina should win this match easily, provided they don't mentally switch off like Brazil did yesterday."

It's very much a case of 'as you were' for Argentina and Germany, then, with both sides unchanged from their second-round matches. Diego Maradona's side, therefore, are boosted by Lionel Messi's recovery from a slight cold and fever earlier in the week, while German striker Miroslav Klose will make his 100th international appearance.

Twitter

From Soccerclips: "Messi to score a hat-trick. He's had no luck so far. Neuer already used up all his luck vs England."

14:20Commentary

Here's a starter for 10 from our friends at Infostrada Sports: This could be the fourth World Cup in a row in which a manager reaches the semi-final having earlier achieved this as a player. Diego Maradona can emulate Brazilian Mario Zagallo (1998) and Germany managers Rudi Voller (2002) and Jurgen Klinsmann (2006).

"It's a tactical test for (Germany coach) Joachim Loew, this, and I think he'll step up to the plate and send out a team that will be up for the challenge, one that will go for Argentina and play its football."

14:35Commentary

It'd be fair to say this is a pretty big deal in both countries. While the Obelisco fills up in Buenos Aires, BBC Radio 5 live are reporting from Berlin that 400,000 people are expected to gather at the Brandenburg Gate to watch the match.

"There's a fantastic atmosphere in the Argentina camp and it's set up brilliantly because both teams are playing really well. The only thing is that Argentina haven't been up against it yet in the tournament, so we'll see how they react."

14:42Commentary

These two teams are in-form, make no mistake. Argentina have scored 10 goals and Germany nine, making them the top two so far in South Africa. With the likes of Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, Thomas Mueller, Miroslav Klose, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain on the pitch, expect fireworks.

Twitter

From ChaosSmurf: "Could we be in for the four greatest quarter-final games ever? Wouldn't bet against it."

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

"There’s a carnival atmosphere already inside Cape Town Stadum and the party has been going on in the city for a few hours now. There might be animosity between the two teams - historically, as well as more recently - but I’ve seen nothing more than smiles and a few songs exchanged between the two sets of fans outside the ground. In fact, Argentina’s supporters seem more interested in taunting Brazil over their defeat yesterday than anything else."

14:48CommentaryArgentina coach Diego Maradona:

"I'll tell the players to do everything. They have to leave their lives on the pitch. Behind them is a whole country who haven't enjoyed a victory for a long time. They are so excited at the moment. Argentina depends on this team to be able to get up in the morning with a smile on their faces."

14:50CommentaryGermany coach Joachim Loew:

“Argentina go to the limits. That is typical of South American teams. They are very aggressive, which means there will be a cut-throat fight. But that doesn't mean we lack in respect for them.”

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From RKW - Bred Pole: "This game has the making to be the best at this summer's World Cup."

14:54Commentary

The players are out and the referee has picked up the Jabulani off the plinth, so after captains Javier Mascherano and Philipp Lahm read out Fifa anti-discrimination message, let's listen to a couple of national anthems that World Cup watchers will be all-too-familiar with.

SMS

From Iain: "I have put my faith in you Stevo. £10 on Argentina to win 3-2, so a dour 0-0 it is then."

14:57Commentary

I know you think I've got a weird anthem obsession, but they are two of the greats. I had a shiver down my spine during both of them, and I'm absolutely positively neither German nor Argentine.

15:00IT'S SUNNYArgentina v Germany

At the magnificent Cape Town Stadium in South Africa, the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Germany gets under way. I'm so excited I cannot stop smiling inanely. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

ContributorBBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson

"It's just set up to be a fantastic game, it promises to be completely captivating."

2 minsCommentary

Miroslav Klose charges into the back of Javier Mascherano and referee Ravshan Irmatov from Uzbekistan has his first calming down job to do. I'd have put good money on that foul being vice-versa.

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

"A huge scrum of photographers gathered around Diego Maradona as soon as he emerged from the tunnel and only dispersed just before kick-off. The Argentina coach has been the centre of attention so far at this World Cup but I can’t help wishing their star player Lionel Messi will do something special today to put himself firmly in the spotlight. Surely he won’t leave South Africa without scoring a goal? Germany will be hoping that is exactly what happens here."

3 minsGOALArgentina 0-1 Germany

In a tournament of rubbish goalkeeping, we can add another to the list. Bastian Schweinsteiger curls over a wickedly inswinging free-kick from the left and after Thomas Mueller glances it towards goal, Sergio Romero is in no-man's land and the ball hits his right leg before flying into the net. First blood to Germany.

5 minsCommentary

What a start from Germany, they have raced out of the blocks and only an alert Sergio Romero racing off his line thwarts Sami Khedira this time.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"Bastian Schweinsteiger is running the show already and Lukas Podolski has the absolute beating of the Argentina right-back. I just like what Germany are all about and this is a tremendous start from them."

9 minsCommentary

Argentina's defence is all over the place, but they break with pace and with Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain queuing up at the back post, Angel di Maria wastes a great crossing chance from their left.

ContributorBBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson

"At the moment there is no pressure on the Germans on the ball whatsoever."

11 minsYELLOW CARD

Argentina play some keep-ball at the back for a while, presumably trying to take some of the pace out of the game after a flying start from Germany. Nicolas Otamendi fouls Arne Friedrich and he picks up the game's first yellow.

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

"I don’t think this game needed anything to light the blue touch paper but Germany’s incredible start has stunned everybody inside Cape Town Stadium. They look dangerous every time they come forward, coming at the Argentina defence with pace and precise passing - already reminiscent of the way they ripped England to shreds, actually.

13 minsCommentary

When Germany go forward, they look alarmingly clinical. Lukas Podolski's right-foot shot from 18 yards takes a deflection before sailing wide and Argentina have not got started yet.

15 minsCommentary

Argentina are finding space of their own when they manage to get forward, but again Angel di Maria's cross from the left isn't accurate enough and Germany clear. Javier Mascherano slides in recklessly on Bastian Schweinsteiger, but he escapes a booking.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Graham Taylor

"Germany have been absolutely superb. But they have to be on guard because Argentina have a collection of wonderful attacking players and it only takes a moment for Lionel Messi or Carlos Tevez to punish you and get their side right back into this."

18 minsCommentary

Has Lionel Messi got David Beckham syndrome? He's so, so deep, playing almost as a quarter-back to try and get the ball off his centre-backs. It means he's got a lot to do when he gets the ball, the little magician.

Twitter

From InfostradaLive: "Thomas Mueller scores fastest World Cup goal for GER since 1978. Goal is also fastest ever conceded by ARG at World Cup."

21 minsCommentary

Our friends at Infostrada Sports also tell us that was the quickest goal at this World Cup, beating Steven Gerrard's effort against USA. Those Germans, they just will not let England have anything, will they?

22 minsCommentary

For all the talk of the flair teams at this World Cup, the pace, movement and intelligent off-the-ball work of this Germany side takes some beating. They switch positions brilliantly too, making the front players so hard to pick up.

23 minsCommentary

Lionel Messi plays a Xavi-like cute pass into the Germany area and Carlos Tevez just cannot quite get there ahead of Manuel Neuer, who does well to race off his line.

24 minsCommentary

Should be 2-0. Thomas Mueller, who might be in the running for player of the tournament at this rate, bursts down the right for Germany and when he gets into the box he superbly tees up Miroslav Klose 14 yards out - only for the striker to lean back and balloon his shot over the bar.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"You know what I would do now? I would position Lionel Messi on the right wing, the same position that he plays for Barcelona sometimes, and I'd tell him to get at Jerome Boateng over and over again, because the German left-back is not the best defender. They have to do something to get Messi into the game anyway."

29 minsCommentary

Better from Lionel Messi. He takes Chris Waddle's advice down the Argentine right and bursts past two defenders, but his cross from the byeline drifts out. A minute later, Gabby Heinze spoons a shot wide from 25 yards.

31 minsCommentary

Argentina have taken the sting out of Germany's relentless start by keeping the ball and though they don't look especially dangerous, they are much more in the game than they were 10 minutes ago.

31 minsCommentary

Lionel Messi whacks a left-foot free-kick loads over the bar from about 25 yards - cue sighs from the punters in Cape Town.

33 minsCommentary

Argentina are finding a bit more space in the Germany backline and Angel di Maria gets into the area on the right, but his shot lack power and direction and it's an easy pick-up for Manuel Neuer, who is yet to be tested.

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

"A couple of Argentinian journalists to my left are thumping the desk with frustration every time one of their team’s attacks breaks down - which has been pretty often in the opening half-hour or so. Germany are not just dangerous breaking forward, they are also well drilled defensively and their two holding midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira are not giving Lionel Messi room to breathe at the moment, which is why he is having to drop so deep to pick up the ball."

35 minsYELLOW CARD

Much more in the game. Gonzalo Higuain turns inside Arne Friedrich just inside the area and shoots towards the near post, only for Manuel Neuer to get down well to save. Moments later, Thomas Mueller handballs 22 yards from his own goal, and as well as giving Lionel Messi another chance to shoot, he is booked and would miss a potential semi-final.

37 minsOFFSIDE

Lionel Messi's shot hits the wall, but from the rebound Argentina get the ball in the net - however, you could choose between any of four players who were standing in an offside position, so the correct decision there.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Graham Taylor

"Germany are still in charge here, they've got a gameplan and it's working well - let the Argentines have the ball in front of you and just don't let them in behind. Conversely, I'm not convinced Argentina have got their shape correct at all."

39 minsCommentary

It's pathetic that Thomas Mueller would miss the semi-final if Germany make it. Two yellow cards in five games and he'd have to miss the biggest game of his career? Do me a favour, it's ridiculous.

39 minsCommentary

Best we've seen from Germany for a while as Lukas Podolski lets one rip from his sweet left foot and he catches it beautifully, the ball whistling just wide of Sergio Romero's left-hand post.

41 minsCommentary

Germany deal with an Argentina corner and break with pace, Thomas Mueller sending Mesut Ozil away down their right, but Javier Mascherano gets in a brilliant tackle to avert the danger.

SMS

From Amrit: "Argentina need Veron in midfield - that will enable Messi to play higher up as he's coming from deep."

44 minsCommentary

Argentina's defence is still so shaky. Philipp Lahm burns past Gabby Heinze down the right and pulls it back for Thomas Mueller, but his toe-poked shot is deflected behind. Sergio Romero punches the corner away and Argentina survive.

45 minsINJURY TIME

Into a minute of time added on in the first half.

15:47HALF-TIMEArgentina 0-1 Germany

Diego Maradona looks annoyed as Lionel Messi skips past Bastian Schweinsteiger only to blaze over from 20 yards. It's the last action of the half, and Maradona has a big 15 minutes coming up.

ContributorBBC Sport's Alan Hansen

"It's totally intriguing. I cannot believe how bad Argentina were in the first 20 minutes, Germany were first to every ball and they should have finished the game off. I've been impressed with them."

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

"This quarter-final is finely poised at the interval. Germany have the lead after their extraordinary start and continue to look menacing on the break but Argentina are improving all the time and they ended the half looking stronger, even though Lionel Messi still hasn’t really got going yet. All to play for then."

SMS

Kon, Abingdon: "Despite awesome German performances against teams like Australia and England, no-one in the UK has given Germany much credit. Now will you?"

Sorry, but that's just not true. Germany have been praised to the heavens, and they deserve all the acclaim they get.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Graham Taylor

"The Germans' movement, the way they create space and move it on at pace, is excellent. That said, the longer the half went on the more Argentina came into it and with the players they have I guess that was always going to happen. I just wonder if Germany might live to regret that Klose miss."

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From Farslayer: "The Argentines are a pretty good team too, but they don't have the German's pace and can't control the Jabulani that well. Normally you don't see Lionel Messi have the ball taken off his feet due to poor close control!"

16:03CommentaryArgentina 0-1 Germany

No changes at the break, oh to have been a fly on the wall in the Argentina dressing-room at half-time. We're back under way in Cape Town.

47 minsCommentary

"Boys, lift the tempo, get stuck into them. Leave everything you've got on that pitch." Or something like that, from Diego Maradona. They have started well too, it's all in the Germany half at the moment.

48 minsCommentary

Whoosh that was close. Germany give the ball away and Angel di Maria hits a screamer with his left foot from about 25 yards that has Manuel Neuer scrambling along his line before it drifts a couple of yards wide of his right-hand post. Like I said, whoosh.

Twitter

From Chris1018: "Just throwing this out there, could it be possible that Messi leaves this World Cup without scoring a goal?"

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"Argentina have started very brightly. Germany like to play on the counter-attack, but they're playing too deep now and not passing the ball enough."

52 minsCommentary

Now it's Germany's turn to try and kill the pace of the game, with Argentina very keen to get a move on. Mesut Ozil is crowded out inside the Argentine area and the Albiceleste come again.

54 minsCommentary

Much better from Argentina. They get Angel di Maria away down the right and his deep cross is chested into the path of Carlos Tevez, who hits a fierce left-foot volley that smacks flush into the face of Per Mertesacker. Ouch.

56 minsOFFSIDE

Germany have a free-kick 35 yards out and they all want to take it, but it's left for Lukas Podolski to hammer into the wall. Moments later, Gonzalo Higuain is flagged offside from Lionel Messi's pass - he wasn't, you know. Philipp Lahm was playing him on.

SMS

Tom, procrastinating from a dissertation in Gateshead: "How can footballers take a ball to the face that hard (see 54 mins) and stay standing, and yet the lightest tap on the back and they go tumbling?"

Dunno. Back to your work, though.

60 minsCommentary

The game's a bit stretched and both teams are giving it away cheaply at the moment. It could yet erupt.

61 minsCommentary

Nicolas Otamendi's poor control leads to him fouling Miroslav Klose and it's 25 yards out in a central position. All sorts of German footballers are going to fancy this one.

62 minsCommentary

It's Bastian Schweinsteiger's turn to hit one into the wall.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"The more the game goes on, the more Argentina are going to go pushing for the equaliser. That could play right into Germany's hands."

63 minsCommentary

Carlos Tevez hits one from 25 yards, but it's too straight and there's a comfortable save for Manuel Neuer. Moments later Gonzalo Higuain shoots from an angle on the left and despite some poor handling, Neuer gathers at the second attempt.

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

"Some people have questioned Germany left-back Jerome Boateng defensively but he has been rock-solid so far in this second half as Argentina pile on the pressure, making some vital interceptions. Germany have been able to soak everything up and understandably don’t seem so keen to get as many men forward when they break - no need for them to do anything foolish now."

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From PanasonicVieira: "German passing hasn't been good this half. Neuer looking a bit dodgy. Game is very open now."

68 minsGOALArgentina 0-2 Germany

That might be the end of Argentina. From his position on the floor just outside the area, Thomas Mueller somehow finds a pass to Lukas Podolski on the left and his perfect pass along the six-yard box is tapped in by a gleeful Miroslav Klose, his 13th goal in World Cup finals.

70 minsSUBSTITUTION

Diego Maradona sends on midfielder Javier Pastore for defender Nicolas Otamendi, who has had a poor afternoon. No Sergio Aguero, no Diego Milito, no Martin Palermo - not yet, anyway.

72 minsSUBSTITUTION

Germany send on Marcell Jansen for Jerome Boateng.

73 minsCommentary

There was a massive roar from the German area of the International Broadcast Centre in Jo'burg when that Miroslav Klose goal went in - I think they knew that was the game won. Argentina's players look finished.

74 minsGOALArgentina 0-3 Germany

I don't think anyone can believe what they are seeing. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has ran the game from start until finish, jinks past a couple of half-hearted tackles down the Germany left and when he gets to the byeline his finds the perfect pass for Arne Friedrich to bundle in his first goal for his country.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"Very easy for Germany - good shape, good balance. They're in total control now, and a lot of Argentinian heads have dropped."

76 minsCommentary

I spent half of yesterday reeling. I need to find a new word for this sensation, because it's happening too often at the moment. This World Cup. This South African World Cup. What are you doing to us?

78 minsSUBSTITUTION

Germany have brought on Toni Kroos for Sami Khedira for the closing stages. A few moments ago, Argentina sent on Sergio Aguero for Angel di Maria.

80 minsYELLOW CARD

Javier Mascherano is booked for a cynical trip on Miroslav Klose - he would miss the semi-final, but Argentina aren't getting anywhere near it. They're out.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"Argentina's first game of the tournament against a good side, and they're being out-thought and out-fought."

81 minsCommentary

Germany are toying with Argentina and Toni Kroos' shot from 25 yards is parried away by Sergio Romero. Diego Maradona scratches his head and stands still on the touchline for perhaps the first time in the tournament. It's a sad sight.

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

There has been only silence from the Argentina fans in the stands around me since Germany scored their third goal - I think they know their time in South Africa is almost up. So much for this being South America’s World Cup - so far Europe’s big-hitters are the ones who have stepped up to the plate."

83 minsCommentary

This isn't just a beating, it's a destruction - and the destroyer-in-chief is Bastian Schweinsteiger. On this performance, you'd be hard pressed to find a more influential footballer in the world, he's been absolutely magnificent.

84 minsSUBSTITUTION

Thomas Mueller gets a standing ovation from the Germans inside the Cape Town Stadium as he is replaced by Piotr Trochowski.

ContributorBBC Sport's Steve Wilson

"So, Lionel Messi is going the same way as Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Kaka."

88 minsCommentary

Argentina are doing some token attacking, but it's utterly futile. Lionel Messi shoots from 25 yards again, but again it flies into the arms of Manuel Neuer.

89 minsGOALArgentina 0-4 Germany

We might just be watching the emergence of one of the great teams. Germany break with pace as Lukas Podolski sends Mesut Ozil away down the left and his floated cross lands perfectly for Miroslav Klose to volley into the corner past Sergio Romero. Klose now has 14 goals in World Cups, one behind the great Ronaldo. One. Good grief.

90 minsINJURY TIME

We'll have one minute of added time. The officials clearly do not want to prolong Argentina's misery.

16:48FULL-TIMEArgentina 0-4 Germany

That is one of the most stunningly one-sided World Cup quarter-finals you could ever imagine seeing. Diego Maradona trudges on to the pitch to shake hands and commiserate with his players.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"You've got to have structure to your side and Argentina don’t have that. Maradona's just played seven or eight of their stars. It's like watching the Harlem Globetrotters."

16:51Commentary

Don't cry for me, Argentina. Maxi Rodriguez and some of his team-mates are in tears and as always, it's hard to watch. But Germany - where have you come from? This team, it's just outrageous.

ContributorBBC Sport's Chris Bevan

"One word to describe that Germany win: Wow! That’s the third time at this tournament that they have scored four goals in a single game and they also showed today that they can defend as well. They stride into the semi-finals looking every bit like potential winners after probably the best attacking display at this World Cup yet."

ContributorBBC Sport's Clarence Seedorf

"I just think Argentina had no idea how to break Germany down. The strikers were dropping so deep to find the ball."

ContributorBBC Sport's Alan Shearer

"That Germany performance smacks to me of a team that has spent hours and hours and hours on the training ground, and everyone knows exactly what they have to do and where they fit in."

SMS

Nadine, Hong Kong: "This is like seeing the boyfriend who dumped you for another girl, dump her. Makes us feel like its a lot less personal!"

16:59Commentary

I'm in a whirl (I found a different word to 'reeling' - you like it?). Germany, who have now scored 13 goals in five games, will play the winners of tonight's quarter-final between Paraguay and Spain - that semi will take place in Durban on Wednesday at 1930 BST.

17:02Commentary

Just watching pictures of Diego Maradona during the game, that man went through everything. When the third one went in, he bowed his head on the back of son-in-law Sergio Aguero, who was about to come on as a sub. No-one on earth will be hurting more than Maradona right now.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Graham Taylor

"This is the best German side I've seen. I saw them thrash Australia in their opening game and thought they can’t play any better. But they destroyed England, they destroyed Argentina. They are a real pleasure to watch. They've got width and create space, movement, and great passing of the ball and control of it. An excellent team performance."

Wouter, the Netherlands: "I feel the world has been turned upside down: swinging Germany, effective Dutch. Should mean we beat them in the final though!"

17:15Commentary

That's my favourite text of the tournament so far from Wouter, so well done you. Bear this in mind, though: Germany have never gone more than 20 years without winning the World Cup, and their last triumph came in 1990. Pranav Soneji will kick off coverage of Paraguay v Spain shortly, I'll see you soon. Reeling (oops).

By Chris Bevan, Cape Town

Germany tore Argentina apart to book their place in the semi-finals and, for now at least, end Diego Maradona's dream of winning the World Cup as coach to go with his victory as captain in 1986.

Inspired by Bastian Schweinsteiger and two-goal hero Miroslav Klose, Joachim Loew's side scored four times for the third game at this tournament in what was a devastating attacking display.

Klose found the net only three times in the Bundesliga all season in a miserable campaign for Bayern Munich but he has now beaten that tally at this tournament, as well as moving to within a goal of Ronaldo, who with 15 goals, is the all-time highest scorer at World Cup finals.

After Thomas Mueller's early header, Germany coped with everything Argentina could throw at them before finishing off Maradona's men with a lethal late burst.

Following Brazil's self-destruction against the Dutch on Friday, Germany became the latest European team to see off a highly fancied South American side, and they move into the last four looking in good shape to become world champions for the first time since 1990.

At times this win was reminiscent of the way Germany had ripped through England's backline in the second round a week ago, with Argentina caught out by their speed and incisiveness on the counter-attack as they chased the game.

The only cloud on Germany's horizon is that the impressive Mueller picked up a booking that means he will miss the last-four clash with Paraguay or Spain, but Loew still has much to savour from this match.

Mueller opened the scoring after only three minutes when Schweinsteiger swung in a free-kick from the left and he escaped the Argentina defence to beat Sergio Romero with a downward header that the keeper got a leg to but could not keep out.

Klose, who also won his 100th cap for Germany, should have made it 2-0 when Mueller broke into the area down the right and squared for him in front of goal. But he fired wastefully over, not that it appeared to matter much at that point.

With Lionel Messi finding it difficult to impose himself on the game thanks to the close attention of Schweinsteiger, Argentina's response was largely limited to shots from distance.

They did improve as half-time approached and Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain both forced Manuel Neuer into low saves, but Germany continued to threaten on the break.

Only after the interval did Argentina manage a spell of sustained pressure, and they threatened almost immediately when Di Maria let fly from outside the box and saw the ball fizz narrowly wide.

For a good 20 minutes, Maradona's men dominated possession and Carlos Tevez had a shot blocked superbly blocked by Per Mertesacker while Germany keeper Neuer was kept busy as shots peppered his goal.

But, after wave after wave of Argentina attacks had been frustrated, Loew's side hit back with a lethal sucker-punch to seal victory with two near-identical goals in quick succession.

First, Podolski burst into the box down the left and squared to give Klose the easiest of tap-ins to make it 2-0, with the striker walking the ball over the line.

Then, with Argentina still rocking, Schweinsteiger weaved his way down the same flank and crossed for Arne Freidrich to bundle the ball in at the near post.

The game was up for the South American side, and neither the jaded Messi on the pitch nor Maradona off it could lift them for any sort of belated response.

Fittingly, the final word went to Klose, who volleyed home Germany's fourth from Mesut Oezil's cross in the last minute - his 14th World Cup goal - after the imperious Schweinsteiger had brought the ball forward again.

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